Cube Controls has built a reputation for premium sim racing hardware, with products that focus on strong ergonomics and high-end materials.
Their new Astra wheel takes that same design philosophy and applies it to a more affordable segment of the market. Positioned between entry-level options and Cube’s flagship wheels, the Astra aims to deliver the essentials – quality construction, balanced ergonomics, and a handful of modern features, without bloating the price tag.
In this review, we’ll break down how the Astra performs across value, features, and build quality, and assess whether it earns a spot in your rig compared with other sim racing wheels at a similar price point.
CUBE CONTROLS ASTRA Ratings
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VALUE: 8.5/10
Great price for a high-quality build with a high-end look and feel.
At launch, the Cube Controls Astra starts at €399 plus VAT for the base model, with a premium version available at €449 plus VAT. The premium package adds anodised aluminium touch points for the encoders and switches, higher-quality stickers, and the likely essential 50mm-to-70mm hub adapter. While the entry-level option makes the Astra one of the more accessible wheels in Cube Controls’ lineup, the inclusion of the hub adapter and upgraded metal touch points will push most buyers toward the premium model.
In terms of competition, the Astra sits in a similar price bracket to wheels like the Simagic GT Neo and Conspit 300 GT. Some rivals offer additional features such as integrated displays, while others come in slightly cheaper, but where the Astra stands out is in its focus on fundamentals and build quality rather than feature overload. The overall perception of quality and feel is closer to more expensive offerings like the GSI X-29 or Cube Controls’ own Mercedes-AMG GT wheel, which strengthens its value proposition for sim racers seeking a mid-priced but premium-feel option.
Features: 7/10
Focuses on essentials, with some modern additions.
The Astra deliberately avoids feature bloat. Unlike Cube Controls’ Core series, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity and instead relies on a physical USB connection with the excellent Q-Conn magnetic connection cable. In return, it introduces programmable RGB lighting with SimHub compatibility across its buttons, giving drivers flexibility in visibility and aesthetics.
At 295mm in diameter, the Astra sits in a versatile sweet spot for both GT and formula-style cars. This size balances sharp response with manageable damping on force feedback systems, particularly mid-range wheelbases under 10 Nm. The absence of integrated displays or telemetry screens reflects Cube Controls’ decision to prioritise lightness and responsiveness over extra electronics.
The result is a feature set that feels carefully curated rather than expansive. It covers the essentials and adds just enough to remain modern, but competitors at a similar price point do offer richer input options or fully wireless operation.
Build Quality: 8.5/10
Premium materials with a lightweight, well-balanced feel
Cube Controls has equipped the Astra with premium materials throughout. The front plate and rear housing are aluminium, with anodised aluminium touch points for encoders and switches on the premium version . The clutch and shifter paddles are cut from 5 mm genuine carbon fibre, while the grips use a rubberised finish that balances comfort with durability.
At just 1.15 kg, the Astra is 200–500 g lighter than many competitors in this segment . That reduction in rotating mass allows force feedback systems to react more quickly and with greater detail, which is especially noticeable on lower-powered wheelbases. The wheel’s balanced weight distribution also avoids the top-heavy feel that is possible in some formula-style rims.
The overall impression is of a wheel that feels robust yet highly responsive. Rather than over-engineering, Cube Controls has struck a balance that delivers both durability and performance.
INPUTS
BUTTONS 7/10
Crisp action, but basic compared to higher-end rims.
The Astra uses Cube Controls’ new button design, which we haven’t seen on their wheels before. They’ve got a snappy, positive feel with very short travel, which makes them quick to actuate without feeling vague. As with most wheels at this level, the button caps are plastic, but that’s standard across the industry and not really a drawback.
The raised shrouds around the buttons do a good job of helping you find the right input by feel, something that’s especially handy if you’re in VR. One thing to note is that four of the buttons — two on each side — don’t always register if you hit them right on the edge. It wasn’t an issue while driving for me, but the potential is there if you tend to press buttons off-centre.
ENCODERS 8/10
Precise action with premium cap options
The Astra is equipped with two thumb encoders, two forward-facing rotary encoders, and two seven-way switches that also include rotary functionality. On the premium version, all of these controls are finished with anodised aluminium caps, giving them a firmer, more premium feel that’s more in line with much higher-end wheels.
Each input has a distinct, tactile click, making them easy to operate accurately in the middle of a race. The thumb encoders are comfortably placed for quick adjustments mid-corner, while the seven-way switches add extra flexibility without taking up more space, and are particularly handy for navigating in-game menus.
In software, Cube Controls provides pulse width adjustment for the encoders. This lets you fine-tune how sensitive each step is, which can help avoid accidental double-inputs when flicking quickly, or missed clicks when making precise adjustments.
Overall, the Astra’s encoder package is well-designed but does miss some features found on other rims, such as push-button functionality on the thumb encoders or modifier buttons that allow multiple functions to be assigned to a single rotary. There’s also no multi-position switch option, which makes sense given there are no position markings on either the knobs or wheel face.
PADDLES 9/10
Some of the best shifters at this price point — snappy yet impressively quiet.
The Astra’s carbon fibre magnetic shifters stand out immediately. They deliver one of the crispest, most positive shifts we’ve felt in this price bracket, with a fast, snappy action that still manages to stay very quiet compared to most paddle systems. Loud shifters can be a deal breaker for anyone driving in a shared space, so this is a very strong selling point for some.
Both the shifters and clutches are cut from 5 mm genuine carbon fibre, giving them rigidity without adding weight. There’s no flex under normal operating load, and the action feels mechanical and precise.
Because of the compact rear design, clearance can be tight between the paddles and the hub. The premium version includes a 50 mm to 70 mm hub adapter, which most users will find necessary to get comfortable spacing.
While they don’t offer throw adjustment or tension tuning like some higher-end rims, the Astra’s paddles are among the best in class at this level — snappy, quiet, and confidence-inspiring every time you shift.
Sim RACING
Discount Codes
SOFTWARE: 7/10
Functional and lightweight, with useful encoder tuning and SimHub Compatibility
The Astra uses Cube Controls’ own software, which is lightweight and functional. All buttons, encoders, and switches are fully mappable, and the software allows for pulse width adjustment on the encoders. This is particularly useful if you find yourself double-registering inputs when flicking quickly, or missing steps when trying to make fine adjustments.
The built-in software also lets you configure the RGB backlighting, but the real strength comes from SimHub compatibility. Once connected through SimHub, the Astra’s lighting can be linked to telemetry data, opening up endless possibilities.
Compared with some brands that offer extensive proprietary ecosystems, Cube Controls’ approach here is simpler. You won’t find profile layering or modifier functions, but between the stock configuration and SimHub support, the Astra’s software covers both the essentials and offers plenty of room for customisation.
Overall Rating: 8/10
A great value wheel that trades feature depth for a high-end driving experience.
Conclusion
The Cube Controls Astra doesn’t try to be the most feature-packed wheel at its price point, and that’s by design. Instead, it focuses on solid fundamentals: excellent build quality, a lightweight and well-balanced frame, precise encoders with software tuning, and shifters that are arguably the best in this price bracket. The programmable RGB lighting and seven-way switches keep it modern, but it avoids extras like screens, wireless connectivity, or multi-function encoders.
For sim racers who value ergonomics and premium materials, the Astra represents excellent value. It feels closer in execution to much more expensive wheels than to the mid-market competitors it technically sits alongside.
That said, buyers who want more expansive input options, multi-position switches, or built-in displays may find better fits elsewhere. The Astra is a wheel for those who care most about tactile quality and driving experience over feature count — and in that respect, it delivers extremely well.
Pros
- Excellent build quality with aluminium and carbon fibre construction
- Lightweight (1.15 kg) for sharper, more detailed force feedback, particularly useful on weaker wheelbases
- Shifters are among the best at this price point: snappy, and quiet
- Seven-way switches add flexibility without clutter
- Programmable RGB backlighting with SimHub or native support
Cons
- No wireless connectivity (USB only)
- Limited input flexibility — no multi-position switches, no thumb-encoder push buttons
- Push buttons can potentially miss presses if hit off-centre
- Lacks advanced features found in some rivals, such as integrated screens or modifier buttons
Have our Cube Controls reviews helped you decide what the best sim racing gear is for you?
Please consider using the links on this page to make your purchase.
By doing so you’ll be supporting Boosted Media at no additional cost to you! This option is available for a huge range of Sim Racing gear.
Reseller Affiliate links
If our Cube Controls reviews have helped you decide what the best sim racing gear is for you, please consider using the links on this page to make your purchase. By doing so you’ll be supporting Boosted Media at no additional cost to you! This option is available for a huge range of Sim Racing gear.
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